Selecting bearing size using the rating life equations

The basic rating life, as defined in ISO 281:2007, is the least complex method of calculating bearing rating life. Its single criterion is subsurface fatigue.

SKF rating life

For modern high quality bearings, the basic rating life determined for a given application can deviate significantly from the actual bearing life. Bearing life in a particular application depends on a variety of influencing factors including lubrication, the degree of contamination, proper installation and other environmental conditions as well as specific bearing design aspects.

The SKF rating life takes into account the fatigue load limit, the lubrication conditions and solid particle contamination level in the bearings.

SKF Generalized Bearing Life Model

The SKF Generalized Bearing Life Model (GBLM) provides an even more flexible and comprehensive method of calculating bearing rating life. This method separates the terms related to surface failure modes from the general subsurface rolling contact fatigue term. It treats them separately and then integrates them into the calculation for overall rolling bearing rating life.

For evaluating the risk of surface fatigue, the GBLM considers additional performance factors not covered by any other method for calculating bearing rating life. It treats the complexity of surface failure modes being considered with advanced tribological models.

More information about the Generalized Bearing Life Model and tools for practical application will be available in the future.